Honor Darlene Fedun Award

Senate Resolution No. 3853 BY: Senator BONACIC HONORING Darlene Fedun upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2017 Businessperson of the Year Award by the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend the leaders of commerce and industry whose accomplishments contribute to the economic health and prosperity of the communities of the State of New York, and whose purposeful endeavors as involved members of the community serve to enhance the quality of life therein; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Darlene Fedun upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the

2017 Businessperson of the Year Award by the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce; this auspicious occasion was celebrated at its 26th Annual Pride Awards Gala on November 16, 2017, at The Eagle's Nest in Bloomingburg, New York; and WHEREAS, The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to bringing together the business and professional interests of Sullivan County, helping them to accomplish collectively what none could do individually; the organization is focused on the growth and retention of its member businesses, serving as a point of contact and center of information, facilitation and exchange; and WHEREAS, Each year, the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce recognizes certain individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the local economy, to the goals of the Chamber, and to the quality of life in Sullivan County; and WHEREAS, Darlene Fedun is an energetic, hard-working, inquisitive woman who truly serves as a role model for the youth in Sullivan County; she strives to be bold yet humble, and views each and every day as a new learning experience; and WHEREAS, Born in the Bronx, New York, Darlene Fedun lived in Yonkers, New York, before moving to Liberty, New York, where she graduated from high school; as a teenager, she worked as a waitress at the old Grossinger's Hotel; and WHEREAS, Darlene Fedun was then offered a job at Cablevision Industries Corporation (CVI), where she continues to work in cable television news; and WHEREAS, Darlene Fedun began her second career in 2006, when she was hired as the Senior Director of External Affairs at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts; two years later, she assumed her current role as Chief Executive Officer; and WHEREAS, Under her luminous leadership, the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts has hosted many legendary musical acts and performers such as Bob Dylan, Elton John, Phish, The Eagles, Zac Brown Band, James Taylor and Santana; and WHEREAS, A vital part of her community, Darlene Fedun is a member of the Liberty Community Development Corporation Board of Directors and was recently appointed to the Hudson Valley Patterns for Progress Board of Directors; and WHEREAS, For her steadfast and unremitting commitment to her community, Darlene Fedun was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the 2007 YEL Award by the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, the 2012 Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development's Distinguished Service Award, and the 2016 Women Who Make a Difference Award by the SUNY Sullivan Foundation; she was also named the

2010 Sullivan County Woman of the Year by the Sullivan County Democrat; and WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a period of constructive involvement, Darlene Fedun has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which this remarkable woman has displayed throughout her life; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Darlene Fedun upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2017 Businessperon of the Year Award by the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Darlene Fedun.